BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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AHB is a nonprofit private school governed by a volunteer board of directors. Our Board is comprised of 7 parents elected by the community to two-year terms, 2 teacher representatives, and one appointed member. The Board articulates goals for the school in alignment with its mission and bylaws, which are enacted by the community. The board seeks community input via surveys and forums and with the help of parent and teacher liaisons.

AHB Community School board member presenting with the head of school.

Voting Members

AHB Community School Board Member Cara Houshmand portrait.
BOARD PRESIDENT

Cara Houshmand

AHB parent since 2017
Strategic Planning Committee Co-Chair

“AHB nurtures the creative spirit, encourages a real love of learning, while also being academically rigorous.”

Jessica Perry
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

Jessica Perry

AHB parent since 2021
Fundraising Committee Co-Chair

“AHB magically melds the benefits of home and classroom education.”

Mina Lehmann
BOARD SECRETARY

Mina Lehmann

AHB parent since 2018

“AHB’s sense of community, strong academics, flexibility, and nurturance comfort the mother in me and inspire the student of human potential in me.”

Headshot of AHB Community School board member, Dallas Dickinson.
BOARD TREASURER

Dallas Dickinson

AHB Parent since 2014

“I love being part of a community that values emotional education as highly as it does academic achievement.”

Anne Rowes
PARENT LIASON

Anne Rowes

AHB parent since 2015
Facilities Committee Co-Chair

“I am excited to partner with AHB in my children’s education where kindness is celebrated and the family/school balance is taken seriously.”

dilum p2 150x150

Dilum Ranatunga

AHB parent since 2010

“When we move away from rudimentary grades and towards true learning, we open wonderful opportunities.

Monica Hanzelka, board member at AHB Community School

Monica Hanzelka

AHB parent since 2020

“I value the curriculum, schedule flexibility, and most of all the community at AHB”

Board member Fabiana Roller

Fabiana Roller

AHB parent since 2020

“Ours is a school like no other, where students are valued for their individuality and receive the attention they need to thrive.”

AHB Community School 2nd grade teacher, Kelly Larson
TEACHER REPRESENTATIVE

Kelly Larson

AHB faculty since 2010

“Teachers at AHB aren’t just here to teach, but are in a continuous process of learning too. Not only are we instilling a love of learning, but our goal is to inspire and be inspired.”

AHB Community School 8th grade teacher, Amanda Simpson
TEACHER REPRESENTATIVE

Amanda Simpson

AHB faculty since 2020

“I’m thankful to be part of a community that values teachers.”

Non-Voting Members

AHB Community School Head of School, Shari Vars
EX OFFICIO

Shari Vars

Head of School
AHB parent since 2014

“I love how the nurturing environment at AHB supports creativity and curiosity alongside academic rigor.”

AHB Community School Associate Director, Alexa Corbett
EX OFFICIO

Alexa Corbett

Associate Director
AHB parent since 2013

“I find great value in collaborative learning and the work/life balance that AHB offers my family.”

Lindsey Pearlstein
ADVISORY POSITION

Lindsey Pearlstein

Former AHB Teacher

“I was looking for a place to teach that allowed teacher autonomy and whose values aligned with my own.”

HOW AHB BUILDS COMMUNITY

Join a Micro School Community

In a city as big as Austin, Texas, it can be challenging to find a sense of community. AHB offers a micro school with a progressive program which attracts caring, open-minded families. Limiting the size to 90 students ensures everyone knows your name, and including parents in decisions and responsibilities creates a sense of belonging. With fun traditions and frequent social opportunities, AHB families enjoy community in a big city.